http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO32441/

New Bedford man charged in R.I. immigrant marriage scheme

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A New Bedford man is charged in marriage scheme in Rhode Island that helped illegal immigrants get permanent resident cards.

Federal officials say Carlos Alberto Da Viega charged each immigrant between three and nine thousand dollars to arrange a fake marriage.

He then paid U.S. residents $1,500 for participating.

The marriage came with the resident cards -- also known as green cards -- for the illegals.

Authorities say Da Viega chose Rhode Island for the scheme because the state has no waiting period for getting a marriage license. It also doesn't require blood tests.

But the officials say the plan was exposed after town employees called immigration agents. They reported that some couples applying for marriage licenses didn't even speak the same language.

Da Viega was arrested after a five month investigation.